xiii, 191 pages ; 24 cm

Examines the issues surrounding the fight for legal acknowledgement of same-sex marriages, exploring how society and the courts view homosexuality and same-sex marriages, the civil benefits denied to same-sex couples, and the laws related sexual behavior

"Few recent topics have claimed as much media and political attention as the fight for the right of same-sex couples to marry legally. Striking at the heart of beliefs about sexuality, marriage, family, and child rearing, the subject has touched off national and international debate. In this practical guide to the issues and their history, the authors present their findings as a courtroom case would be presented to the jury--with an opening statement, expert testimony, and a closing argument in support of same-sex marriage. Chapters explore how we have arrived at our current understandings of homosexuality and marriage, the impact of same-sex marriage on same-sex relationships and families, the practical civil benefits denied to persons who are not allowed to marry, and the forty-year evolution in American law as it relates to sexual behavior. This book provides a reasoned and informed history of the subject and is ideal for readers in government, social work, and the law--and anyone curious about where this contentious issue is headed."--Dust jacket flap

Includes bibliographical references (pages 169-180) and index

Examines the issues surrounding the fight for legal acknowledgement of same-sex marriages, exploring how society and the courts view homosexuality and same-sex marriages, the civil benefits denied to same-sex couples, and the laws related sexual behavior

"Few recent topics have claimed as much media and political attention as the fight for the right of same-sex couples to marry legally. Striking at the heart of beliefs about sexuality, marriage, family, and child rearing, the subject has touched off national and international debate. In this practical guide to the issues and their history, the authors present their findings as a courtroom case would be presented to the jury--with an opening statement, expert testimony, and a closing argument in support of same-sex marriage. Chapters explore how we have arrived at our current understandings of homosexuality and marriage, the impact of same-sex marriage on same-sex relationships and families, the practical civil benefits denied to persons who are not allowed to marry, and the forty-year evolution in American law as it relates to sexual behavior. This book provides a reasoned and informed history of the subject and is ideal for readers in government, social work, and the law--and anyone curious about where this contentious issue is headed."--Dust jacket flap

Legacy 2017

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